Tag Archives: early readers

There’s a Snore-a-saurus in My Adenoids: Surgery Books for Kids by Nat Gibson (Book Review)

Is your little one getting ready for adenoid surgery? Do they also have a dinosaur-sized imagination?

When Ollie’s snoring interrupts his (and his brother’s) sleep, he discovers that a mischievous dinosaur might be to blame! Join him as he experiences the surgery process in a special way at the Dinosaur Catchers’ Camp (hospital)—where he’ll:

  • Receive a unique bracelet (hospital wristband)

  • Go to the weigh station (weight measurement)

  • Get an arm hug (blood pressure reading)

  • Wear special pajamas (hospital gown)

  • Put on a magic mask (anesthesia)

  • And finally, meet the Dinosaur Catchers (doctors) who will remove his adenoids and capture that silly little dinosaur!

 

Created to help ease worries by turning a real medical procedure into an exciting dinosaur-catching adventure, this book uses a mix of information and fantasy to help parents guide young children and toddlers through adenoid removal surgery and recovery—in a way that feels magical rather than scary.

For extra fun, have a small dinosaur ready for your child after surgery.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Nat Gibson is back with another fabulous picture book; this time, they are tackling the annoying snore-a-saurus!

Do you have someone in your life that snores? Whose snores cause you to lose out on precious hours of rest? As There’s a Snore-a-saurus in My Adenoids: An Adenoid Surgery Book for Kids begins, we find James feeling frustrated over his brother’s loud honkfewww, a common situation in many shared bedrooms. James tries to gently wake his slumbering brother before finally shouting, “I can’t sleep.” Sweet Ollie expresses his apologies, but he can’t help it. He said it felt like something was blocking his nose. It’s time for Ollie to visit a doctor to find out the cause of his noisy nose and how to fix it. During the doctor’s visit, it’s revealed that a dinosaur is the culprit behind Ollie’s woes. It’s hiding behind the adenoids, blocking the airflow. The author understands that adenoids will probably be a new term for many children; therefore, they have included an easy-to-understand explanation and a funny illustration showing the dino giving a one-arm hug to a tiny, squishy blob (adenoid). Kids might assume, like Ollie, that if the problem is inside their nose, they should be able to dislodge it themselves. A nice thought that is expressed through four cute drawings.

Unfortunately, Ollie’s loud schnoz can only be fixed by removing the dinosaur from its hiding spot. In other words, he needs an operation. Hospitals can be a scary place for kids. The enormous size, bright lights, and mounting fear of what’s to come can make youngsters panic, especially when they hear the word surgery or operating room. They often fear going to sleep and never waking back up. That’s where There’s a Snore-a-saurus in My Adenoids comes in handy! In this adorable story, Ollie didn’t go to a big, scary, intimidating hospital. No, they went to Dinosaur Catcher’s Camp, where a dino helper gave him a special bracelet (hospital wristband) that instructed the Dino Catchers on where to look for the troublesome dino.

Next, Ollie headed to the weighing station (the scale), where the unexpected happened. (No spoilers.) This leads readers to remember one should not eat before surgery. Every step in the pre-op procedure was simplified using kid-friendly terms, such as instead of saying blood pressure reading, the writer said, “arm hug.” The writer and illustrator never strayed away from the dino theme, not in text or design. Kids will love Ollie’s special pajamas: blue clothing, red cape, and yellow hat. Parents, educators, and medical personnel will love how the creators of this wonderful book took a potentially overwhelming and frightening situation and made it look not so scary. The dino catchers (surgeon) and their helpers (nurses) reassured Ollie and kids facing similar situations that they would never be alone during the whole process. The nurse continues to explain the nice aroma in the “magic mask” allows the team to safely capture the dino as Ollie catches some zzzz. The staff member’s comforting words put Ollie at ease and hopefully their words will do the same for readers of this delightful storybook.

While children might initially feel trepidation about the surgical process, the book’s humorous illustrations quickly turn fear into laughter and smiles. The dino’s antics and the final image are sure to bring a smile to their faces. If the dino images don’t do the trick, the thought of the popsicle room (AKA recovery room) certainly will!

Is your child feeling apprehensive about an upcoming nasal surgery? Do they have a family or friend who’s about to undergo a dino (adenoid) removal procedure? If you answered yes, I’d recommend sharing There’s a Snore-a-saurus in My Adenoids with your child. It’s a silly but informative story that eases fears regarding what will happen before, during, and after the surgery.

I adored the illustrations, the dino theme, the simple dialogue, and how keywords stood out, thanks to brightly colored shading. I highly suggest sharing this stupendous story with your family and counting down the days to a peaceful night’s sleep!

The recommended reading age is 2-7 years.

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤

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Meet the Author

Nat Gibson lives in California with her husband and two children, both of whom had surgery before turning 4 years old. Her books are designed to help parents engage their child’s imagination as they go through new or difficult experiences.
 

 

 

 

 

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Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher by Ben P. Fisher (Book Review)

He’s sure that mistakes are always bad. Can he learn to take a deep breath and turn an oops into a ta-da?

Scribbaloo wants to do everything perfectly. So even though it’s amazing that everything he draws with his magic comes to life, the little creature is always worried about messing up. And he’s certain everyone will be angry when his frustration makes a monster that’s gobbling up all the colors and turning the world gray.

Joined by his upbeat best friend, Scribbaloo sets off on a daring journey to find the Golden Crayon to restore the rainbow. But every time they go around a corner, there’s a new mistake about to ruin their trip.

Will Scribbaloo give up, or keep trying until he figures out a way to win?

Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher is a wonder-filled picture book for kids ages three to eight. If you or your child like beautiful illustrations, using your imagination, and building self-esteem, then you’ll love Ben P. Fisher’s delightful adventure.

Buy Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher to paint the world wonderful today!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Everyone, regardless of age, will make mistakes; they are inevitable and come in all sizes. For kids, coloring outside the lines would equal a minor mistake. Shattering a window would equal a bigger mistake. While some mistakes might feel like the world is ending, they all amount to the same thing – a learning experience. Scribbaloo, a magical creature from Color Island, learns this valuable lesson in Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher.

Scribbaloo possesses a magnificent, magical ability; whatever they draw comes to life! That sounds amazing unless you are like Scribbaloo, an individual who gets easily frustrated when you make an error. Scribbaloo blew his stack when their design didn’t turn out precisely how they envisioned. His star-shaped friend Glittergleam tried calming him down and encouraged them to try again, but Scribbaloo was too angry to listen. He started angry drawing, and those dark, scribbly lines merged to create The Color Cruncher! This transformation was a powerful metaphor for how unchecked anger can lead to unintended consequences.

The Color Cruncher was weirdly adorable. It resembled a ball of steel wool or a large ball of dryer lint with arms, legs, googly eyes, and black felt for angry-looking eyebrows. While it was cute, its sinister mission was not. It planned to devour all colors, and there was only one way to stop it: Scribbaloo needed to fetch the Golden Crayon up on Crayon Peak. The quest required Scribbaloo to draw, but his drawings kept hitting a snag. He knew no good came from losing his temper, so he took a moment to collect himself and tried again. What a good example for kids to model!

I loved the story’s cute rhymes, particularly the word paired with “unlucky.” The illustrated page accompanying the surprise word, which I will keep vague for the sake of the surprise, was stupendous. I also liked how the artist brought the writer’s words to life. The Paintbrush Forest was simple but very creative. And when Scribbaloo started to cry, my heart went out to the little red creature.

I recommend Scribbaloo and the Color Cruncher for households and classes with children ages three to eight. It is a wonderfully written and illustrated story that entertains and delivers a powerful message: It’s okay to make mistakes. Mistakes are how we learn. So, the next time you mess up, take a calming breath and try again.


Special note: Scan the QR code in the end pages or visit the author’s site (BenPFisher.com) to download a FREE activity book!

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤

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Meet the Author

Husband. Father. Cheese enthusiast.

While he enjoys all things cheese, Ben’s true joy comes from the blessing of his family. His two passionate and playful children remind him how tough it is to be in the “rough draft” stage of becoming an adult. His love for creativity and being a positive influence on others led him to a career in teaching and school leadership. Inspired by a need for stories that teach resilience and the value of learning from mistakes, Ben began writing children’s books. Through his stories, he hopes to encourage kids and adults to remember that love and acceptance don’t require perfection.

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The Adventures of MOOMOO: MooMoo’s Adventure to Remember by Joe Komara (Book Review)

 

Join MooMoo, the lovable HippoCatamus, as she embarks on a heartwarming adventure to remember who she is. After an accident leaves her memory a bit fuzzy, MooMoo sets off to find her family, meeting a cast of colorful characters along the way. From a lost monkey to a graceful gazelle, MooMoo wonders if she might be like them—until a sweet reunion with her parents reveals she’s perfectly unique. MooMoo’s Adventure to Remember celebrates self-discovery, kindness, and embracing what makes each of us special and unique.

Perfect for all readers young and old who adore animals and heartwarming adventures.

 

The Inspiration For MooMoo comes from my beloved kitty cat, Rue McCatahan, AKA MooMoo. Rescued from the Humane Society, Rue captured our hearts with her heavy-footed walk, floofy tail, and endearing clumsiness—earning her the nickname of “Hippocatamus.” MooMoo’s caring spirit is inspired by my niece Kennedy, whose heartfelt dedication to helping other children is a beautiful example of human generosity that will hopefully inspire your kiddo too!

Grab your copy and fall in love with MooMoo today!

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Have you ever looked at your reflection and wondered, Who am I? Where do I belong? MooMoo has. MooMoo, a uniquely designed character, embarks on a journey of self-discovery. Part cat, part hippo, and all purple except for its eyes, MooMoo’s features and coloring are not what we call ‘normal.’ As MooMoo tries to remember who they are and where their home is, she meets two animals whose coloring and/or shape are not typical of their species. First, MooMoo meets a sad pink monkey who’s lost and can’t find their family. MooMoo puts aside their personal quest and redirects their attention to help Miko, the young monkey, find their family. They next meet a multi-colored gazelle named Zala, whose body featured sharp lines that reminded me of geometrical art. Beautiful!

MooMoo doesn’t know her place in this brightly shaded world. Is she a monkey? A gazelle? A hippo? And, if she is a hippo, why does she have a cat face? MooMoo is understandably confused, not to mention still lost at this point in the story.

MooMoo, in her journey of self-discovery, was kind to the monkey, and their kindness inspired another animal to be kind to them. (The mysterious animal’s identity will be revealed after reading this sweet story.) It should be no surprise that MooMoo finds her parents and discovers who they are. MooMoo, the darling hippocatamus, began their journey unsure about their identity, but in the end, they could look at their reflection feeling proud of their unique self. This story does what we adults should do—inspire kids to embrace their uniqueness!

I loved the writer’s and artist’s imagination when it came to the storyline and character design. Both were out-of-the-box thinking and made for an excellent children’s book! There were a few words that might stump three-year-olds, the starting recommended reading age, according to Amazon. Overall, kids will be enchanted by the mysterious creature and be eager to read future adventures starring the hippocatamus or other colorful, blended animals.

As a fellow enthusiast of children’s literature, I agree with Amazon’s target audience: 3-9 years. This book is a perfect fit for young readers, offering a delightful and imaginative journey of self-discovery.

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤

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Meet the Author

Joe Komara learned young how fulfilling it is to help kids stay healthy & creative, His books are inspired by his niece Kennedy and his floofy-tailed, charmingly clumsy cat, Rue (aka MooMoo). Joe is an actor and a Board-Certified Positive Psychology-Based Life & Well-Being Coach. NBC-HWC, ACC

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Where is Love? by Annie Caboose (Book Review)

While walking in the garden one day, Annie, a curious little ant from Hillsville, meets a single poppy flower called Love. They become instant friends, sharing stories, laughing and talking for hours on end. Then one autumn day Annie goes to visit Love, but Love is not there. Remembering the rhyme that Love told her, she sets off on an adventure to find Love.

Love is with you every day.
Love is never far away.
Go search, go find and then you’ll see
All the places Love can be.

But don’t forget to look within
For often, that’s where Love begins.

May Annie’s story inspire anyone who has experienced the loss of a loved being, to look and perhaps still find them within their lives and within themselves.

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

We witness death on TV shows and movies, but you’re never really prepared for the emotions accompanying it until you’re in the thick of it. Everyone handles the loss of a friend or loved one differently, kids especially. Where is Love? is a touching book reminding us that the ones we miss are never truly gone; they will always remain in our hearts and memories. A lovely message that can bring a great deal of comfort.

Annie is just one of many ants that call Hillsville, a mound of dirt behind Fanny’s Flower Farm, home. James Dakay, the illustrator, did a lovely job creating the underground world. The ants wore human attire as they engaged in activities we’ve all seen or done, such as groups of ants playing basketball and hopscotch while another hung wet clothes up on a clothesline. The illustrations are vibrant and detailed, with each ant having its own unique features and expressions. Though the Queen ant looks lovely in her royal cape and crown, Annie was quite the fashionista in her bright yellow straw cap and matching shirt.

Annie didn’t spend all her days or nights inside the mound; on weekends, she went aboveground to explore and enjoy the summer breeze. During one excursion, Annie met a poppy named Love. Love was a beautiful orange-petaled flower with soft features nestled in the flower’s seed pod. Love and Annie became quick friends. They laughed together, played games, and told tall tales. Love shared a sweet little rhyme with her new friend:

Love is with you every day.

Love is never far away.

Go search, go find and then you’ll see

All the places Love can be.

 

Each time Annie went to meet up with her fragrant friend, she noticed Poppy was losing her beautiful orange petals. It was heartbreaking to watch her wither away. Sadly, young kids and adults will face a similar situation with a friend, family member, or beloved pet. It’s an emotional time, especially when their physical body is no longer here. Annie realized the significance of Poppy’s rhyme. It’s a comforting reminder that our loved ones will remain in our hearts and live on through our memories, and that love is always present, even when we can’t see it.

I recommend reading Annie Caboose’s moving story with your child, especially if they have lost someone recently or are facing circumstances that mirror Annie’s situation: watching someone slowly fade away. Where is Love? is technically a picture book aimed at young viewers, but Love’s sweet rhyme and the story’s overall theme can also resonate with adults.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score: ❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Annie, a.k.a. the Caboose, is the youngest of nine children. Her loving mother read her lots of children’s stories, including some she wrote herself. Inspired by her mom, Annie wrote her first book, Where is Love? She resides on a lake in the beautiful Okanagan Valley, fascinated by the many birds that live there too.

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When Mom Feels Great Then We Do Too! by Phyllis Schwartz (Book Review)

When Mom, one day, came home and said, “I think I better get in bed,”

it was up to us to get together as a team so she’d feel better.

We came up with all sorts of things to do.

Because “when mom feels great then we do too!”

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I received a complimentary copy of this book from Reedsy Discovery. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

 

Growing up, I don’t recall my mother being sick very often. However, when she was under the weather, the entire house jumped on board to help out. I learned to appreciate everything my mom did in and out of the house at a young age. As a parent, I do my best not to get ill. When it happens, I have an excellent support team who do their best to make me feel better. 

My husband reminds the kids to use their library voice while indoors. They make sure I always have a drink nearby. My youngest also brings me a stuffed toy that is supposed to “chase the sick germs away.” 

When someone, anyone, in your home is feeling under the weather, band together like the family did in When Mom Feels Great, Then We Do Too! by Phyllis Schwartz. Sometimes laughter is the best medicine!

At the story’s start, Phyllis Schwartz mentions the dad helping the kiddos make mom’s favorite dish, wieners and asparagus. Be prepared for your child to giggle when they hear “wieners.” Mine did. 

My kiddos are not a fan of asparagus or hot dogs, but if your kids are, I have great news for you—the author included the recipe for mom’s favorite dish. They even included suggested sides: rice and corn (kernel or on the cob). FYI: It “serves 2 adults and multiple kids.”

When Mom Feels Great, Then We Do Too! by Phyllis Schwartz was a charming story. It did have some words that will need exploring, depending on your audience’s age: Motown music. Also, I’m no fashionista, so “Frida Kahlo” went right over my head. 

 Siski Kalla did a lovely job on the illustrations. They were all very nice.

I will recommend When Mom Feels Great, Then We Do Too! to family and friends. 

Recommended reading age is 4-10.

 

Heart Rating System:
1 (lowest) and 5 (highest) 
Score:  ❤❤

Amazon Purchase Link

 

 

Meet the Author

Phyllis Schwartz is a married mother of two, who, after a highly successful career in the TV news business, finally has the time to indulge in and focus on her “civilian” writing. Even as a kid, she kept a diary and wrote little stories and poems, a creative release that continued well into adulthood. She wrote news by day and poetry by night. And despite battling three different types of cancer over more than three decades, she is still filled with energy, joy, and optimism, and she looks forward to writing much more poetry and children’s books in the future. Her writing often centers on what she observes daily: including her friends, husband, and two children, as well as her garden and her beautiful beach town residence in dreamy Encinitas, all providing continued inspiration for her verse.

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FB/Insta: phyllischwartz_author

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Coming Soon

A delightful picture book that teaches kids 15 Spanish, Yiddish, & Japanese words as Yoshi crafts a poem about what bothers them the most!

Read My Review on Reedsy Discovery!

 

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